INTRODUCTION
Research rationale
In today's socio-economic landscape, individuals increasingly prioritize their appearance, emphasizing aspects such as clothing, body image, hairstyles, skin care, and nail grooming A survey conducted by the author among 50 customers highlights this growing trend.
4 researched nail salons, there are up to 70 percent of Australian woman coming to nail salons will get the nails done for every 2 weeks
The number of spas and salons in Australia is experiencing significant growth, similar to trends observed in the United States According to IBIS World, there are currently 3,045 nail and waxing salons across the nation Over the past five years, nail salons in Australia have seen consistent development, driven by the increasing demand for new services, particularly among the female population, who represent the primary customer base The Personal Waxing and Nail Salons Market Research Report projects that industry revenue will rise by an annualized 1.3% over the five years leading up to 2015.
Unlike United State, Australia government does not require nail technician to
Nail art businesses in Australia can operate with minimal regulatory oversight, requiring only basic business registration, as highlighted in interviews with salon owners However, many nail technicians lack adequate knowledge and awareness of waste management practices, which poses a risk to sustainability due to unregulated waste and water usage in these salons.
Previous scientific studies have primarily examined the impact of nail salons and their products on human health, with limited research addressing nail salon waste, particularly in Australia This thesis aims to explore the current situation of nail salon waste management and provide recommendations for improving practices in Australian nail salons.
Research objectives
- Conduct the data of nail salon waste and water usage in South Australia
- Investigate waste management in nail salon
- Assess the worker awareness of waste and waste management.
Research questions
- What are the situation of nail salon business in South Australia in terms of salon scale, number of customers, number of workers and their income?
- What are the different types of wastes which are discharged from nail salon?
- How much are the average of water usage and waste water in nail salon daily?
- How are the waste and waste water classified and treated in nail salon?
- What are the recommendations for better waste management and water usage
Limitations
The nail industry experiences a significant seasonal fluctuation in customer numbers, with a noticeable contrast between winter and summer To ensure the data's reliability and comparability, it is essential for the author to gather information over an extended period, ideally more than one year, encompassing all seasons.
- To be close to the customers as well as the workers, the author need to take part in working in nail salon, so the surveys conducted were relatively small
The author faced challenges in assessing customer demand differences between metropolitan and regional areas due to the extensive travel required, highlighting transportation as a significant disadvantage.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Nail salon industry introduction
Nail salons have surged in popularity across towns, cities, and shopping centers, with the number of establishments growing from 48,900 in 2013 to 56,300 in 2017, and consumers spending $8.7 billion on nail services in the United States (Mazareanu, 2019) These salons cater to both men and women, offering a diverse array of nail care and nail art options, including manicures, pedicures, acrylics, and polish Many nail salons have evolved into one-stop beauty destinations, providing additional services such as eyelash extensions, facials, waxing, and skincare (Quach et al., 2008) Each nail treatment involves multiple steps and the application of various products to achieve desired results.
A manicure is a beauty treatment focused on enhancing the appearance of the fingernails and hands, which can be done at home or in a nail salon The process typically involves filing and shaping the nails, caring for the cuticles with a cuticle pusher and nippers, applying various liquids, massaging the hands, and finishing with the application of nail polish.
2009) The primary purpose of a manicure is to maintain the hand’s overall health When the same techniques are applied to the toenails and feet, the treatment is called a pedicure
(Source: Best nail salon stock) Figure 2 Manicure service
(Source: ESPN Front Row) Figure 3 Pedicure service
Nail polish serves as a fundamental element of nail art, providing a vibrant color base A similar technique known as shellac involves applying a polish that is cured under UV light, resulting in a durable and glossy finish.
SNS and acrylic nails are powdered color solutions that utilize advanced techniques and tools, such as drills, for filing Beyond their aesthetic appeal, they enhance nail strength and durability, significantly reducing the risk of breakage Additionally, SNS and acrylic nails outlast traditional polish and shellac, contributing to their rising popularity in the nail care industry.
Nail salons provide hair removal services through waxing, which is categorized into two types: normal wax and hard wax Normal wax involves the application of warm gel on the skin, followed by the use of wax paper to quickly remove the hair In contrast, hard wax is applied directly to the skin and is peeled off without the need for additional materials.
Nail services are provided by nail technicians, with over 439,000 currently employed in the U.S nail salon industry The workforce is predominantly female, comprising 80% of workers aged 25 to 44, most of whom have a high school education or less A significant portion of these technicians comes from Asian-American communities, particularly Vietnamese refugees and Chinese diasporas Unfortunately, around 80% of them earn low wages, making less than $13.46 an hour, which affects both full-time and part-time workers' take-home pay.
Nail technicians in the United States earn between $9 and $10 per hour, translating to daily earnings as low as $30 to $40 (Michell, 2018) On average, a nail tech services around 20 clients each week, with approximately 40% of these customers making regular bookings Additionally, about 25% establish standing appointments for services priced between $20 and $50 (Brandon, 2018).
Impacts of nail salon
Nail salons may harbor a contagious skin disease that isn't listed on their service menus According to Sarah (2016), these infectious skin diseases can often be discovered in customers during their visits.
(Source: DermNet NZ) Figure 4 Nail fold infection
(Source: American Osteopathic College of Dermatology) Figure 5 Nail fold infection
Nail fold infections, often resulting from the essential practices of clipping, filing, and trimming during manicures and pedicures, can cause damage to both nails and surrounding skin The most prevalent infection associated with these procedures is paronychia, a bacterial infection of the cuticle skin Customers who frequently receive manicures may find their cuticle skin growing faster and becoming messier, necessitating continuous trimming This cycle can exacerbate skin issues, ultimately leading to more severe nail fold infections.
(Source: Medicine Net) Figure 6 Follicular infection
(Source: Onehealth) Figure 7 Follicular infection
Pedicure foot spa tubs can pose a health risk by leading to follicular infections caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria, especially if customers have skin wounds Soaking feet in contaminated water may allow these bacteria to enter the bloodstream and infect hair follicles To minimize this risk, experts recommend avoiding shaving legs prior to a pedicure However, many Australian women prefer waxing before their pedicures, as it makes them feel cleaner, and they are reluctant to change this habit despite the potential health concerns.
- Contact dermatitis : acrylic nails, nail glue, and nail polish can cause allergic contact dermatitis
(Source: Nail Pro) Figure 9 Warts
Plantar warts can develop on the skin after visiting a nail salon, as they thrive in warm, moist environments similar to follicular infections Additionally, cuts in the skin can lead to the formation of these warts.
(Source: Komonews) Figure 10 UV light
The final stage of manicure and pedicure services often involves exposure to UV light, which, while effective for drying nails, poses potential health risks Dermatologists warn that prolonged use of UV lamps may increase the likelihood of skin cancer and tumors Additionally, skin areas exposed to UV light are at risk of premature aging.
Hazardous chemicals influent worker health
(Source: Thenewdaily) Figure 11 Three top chemicals in nail salon
Nail salon products are notorious for containing harmful chemicals, with toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) being the most prevalent A 2005 survey by the Environmental Working Group revealed that eight brands included formaldehyde, five contained formaldehyde resin, 37 had toluene, and a staggering 89 featured dibutyl phthalate (Alexandra & Phillip, 2007).
Toluene is a colorless liquid commonly used as a solvent in various nail products, including nail polish and nail glue, where it helps evenly distribute pigments and achieve a smooth finish However, exposure to toluene can lead to several health issues, such as dry or cracked skin, headaches, dizziness, and numbness, as well as irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, and potential damage to the liver and kidneys.
Formaldehyde is a chemical commonly used in resins and as a preservative, often found in nail products for hardening and achieving a smooth finish Prolonged exposure to formaldehyde can lead to serious health issues, including respiratory problems like coughing, asthma-like attacks, and wheezing, as well as allergic reactions and irritation of the eyes, skin, and throat Additionally, formaldehyde is recognized as a potential carcinogen.
Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is a widely used plasticizer in personal care products, enhancing flexibility and providing a moisturizing sheen while aiding in the dissolution of other cosmetic ingredients Commonly found in nail polish at salons, DBP can lead to adverse effects such as nausea and irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, mouth, and throat.
Many other chemicals are found in nail salon also lead to variety serious consequences (U.S Department of Labor) as the following examples:
- Acetone (nail polish remover): headaches; dizziness; and irritated eyes, skin, and throat
- Acetonitrile (fingernail glue remover): irritated nose and throat; breathing problems; nausea; vomiting; weakness; and exhaustion
- Butyl acetate (nail polish, nail polish remover): headaches and irritated eyes, skin, nose, mouth, and throat
- Ethyl acetate (nail polish, nail polish remover, fingernail glue): irritated skin, nose, mouth, eyes, stomach, and throat; high levels can cause fainting
- Ethyl methacrylate (EMA), (artificial nail liquid): asthma; irritated eyes, skin, nose, and mouth; difficulty concentrating Exposures while pregnant may affect your child
- Isopropyl acetate (nail polish, nail polish remover): sleepiness, and irritated eyes, nose, and throat
- Methacrylic acid (nail primer): skin burns and irritated eyes, skin, nose, mouth, and throat At higher concentrations, this chemical can cause difficulty breathing
- Methyl methacrylate (MMA), (artificial nail products, though banned for use in many states): asthma; irritated eyes, skin, nose, and mouth; difficulty concentrating; loss of smell
Nail salon products often contain various chemicals that can pose risks to both human health and the environment if not managed properly Common items such as solvents, hardeners, fragrances, glues, polishes, and curing agents may lead to health issues ranging from mild skin rashes to severe medical conditions, depending on the level and duration of exposure.
2014) Moreover, the air pollution also can be caused by the nail salon products and services
Products containing solvents can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and toxic air pollutants These chemicals may react in the atmosphere to produce ground-level ozone, or smog, which is linked to various respiratory issues.
Nail salon products can emit toxic air pollutants, posing health risks Although regulations at federal, state, local, and Tribal levels aim to control emissions from nail salons, there is still a potential for harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other toxic pollutants to be released.
- Filing artificial nails generates particle pollution (dust) which may contain glues, benzoyl peroxide, silica, and methacrylate polymers.
Waste classification in Australia
According to 4waste Removal, a waste collection company partnered with the Australian Government, waste is categorized into five distinct types: liquid waste, solid waste, organic waste, recyclable materials, and hazardous waste.
Liquid waste can be found both in households as well as in the industries
Liquid waste encompasses various types, including dirty water, organic liquids, wash water, waste detergents, and rainwater It can be categorized into two main types: point source and non-point source waste Point source waste refers to liquid waste generated from specific manufacturing processes, while non-point source waste originates from natural sources.
Solid rubbish includes a variety of items which can be found in the household along with commercial and industrial locations Solid rubbish can be classified into the following types:
Plastic waste includes bags, containers, jars, and bottles, among other products While plastic is not biodegradable, many types can be recycled It is essential to avoid disposing of plastic in the general waste bin; instead, it should be placed in the recycling bin for proper processing.
- Paper/card waste may include material containers, newspapers, cardboards and other products which are totally put in recycling bin
- Tins and metals can be found in various forms in the households Most metals can be recycled These wastes should be considered taking to a scrap yard
- Ceramics and glass can easily be recycled and should be disposed correctly to the bottles/glass bin
Organic waste, which includes food scraps, garden debris, manure, and spoiled meat, is a prevalent household material This type of waste is biodegradable and can be transformed into manure by microorganisms over time However, it is crucial to avoid disposing of organic waste in landfills, as it generates methane, a harmful greenhouse gas Therefore, organic waste should not be mixed with general waste and must be managed properly to mitigate environmental impact.
Recyclable rubbish includes all waste items that can be converted into products that can be used again such as bottles, cans, etc
Hazardous waste encompasses various types of materials that are flammable, toxic, corrosive, and reactive, posing risks to both human health and the environment Proper disposal of these dangerous items is crucial, and it is advisable to engage a professional waste removal company to ensure safe and compliant handling of hazardous waste.
METHODS
Case study approach
To understand deeply and collect the most reliable data, case study approach is particularly useful and should be applied
Due to the differences of customer’s demands and the differences of customer’s income in the metropolitan area and the regional area, the author was choosing 4 case studies
This article examines two case studies of salons located in Adelaide, specifically at Castle Plaza shopping center and Hype Park walking street Additionally, it explores two more case studies in Mt Barker, a town situated 40 minutes from the city.
Data collection
Besides 4 case studies, the author needs to investigate the general number of nail salon in certain area The observation is an essential and useful method which the author uses to indicates the nail salon scale, the habits of customers and workers in salon
A customer survey was conducted in two South Australian salons—one in Adelaide city and another in Mt Barker, where the author is employed It was found that most customers tend to have a preferred salon they regularly visit for nail services Consequently, the author selected 30 loyal customers, who seldom or never visit other salons, from a total of 40 surveyed, along with 10 customers chosen at random.
The chosen customers were asking for their frequency of coming to nail salon and which services they prefer to do when coming
Interviews were conducted with the owner and ten workers of nail salons to explore daily waste disposal practices The questions focused on the types of waste generated, methods of classification and treatment, and the workers' understanding of waste management.
Participation
To gain a deeper understanding of nail services and the role of technicians, the author spent a year working in a nail salon This experience included working seven days a week, with three days in the metropolitan area of Adelaide and four days in the regional area of Mt Barker By performing all the services offered at the salon, the author was able to assess waste management practices firsthand, immersing themselves in the realities of the job.
RESULTS
Nail salon in South Australia overview
In Australia, nail salons are very popular and are opened almost every suburb not only in metropolitan but also in regional areas They could be easily found 2 to
Nail salons are a common sight in Australian shopping centers and on walking streets, often owned by immigrants from Asian countries like Vietnam, China, and Korea The technicians, typically aged between 18 and 40, may work full-time as residents or part-time while studying Standard operating hours for these salons usually run from 9 AM to 5:30 PM.
Nail salons in Australia can be categorized into small and large establishments, yet they all offer a comprehensive range of services, including manicures, pedicures, polish, shellac, SNS, acrylics, and personal waxing Regardless of their size, these salons utilize similar materials and equipment to deliver quality nail care and beauty treatments.
Gel polish, a blend of organic polymers and various components, is available from brands like CND, DND, DC, and OPI Nail salon owners typically stock between 300 to 500 bottles of diverse colors, replacing them as needed when colors run out.
- Shellac which is similar to polish except it requires the last step of finishing by UV light was supplied in the same brands and number of gel polish
- Dipping powder color is the new technique which nail technicians called
SNS and brush-on gel-based polish are popular choices for nail enhancements Brands such as SNS, EDS, DC, and EC offer a wide range of colors, typically stored in pots, with salons often carrying 200 to 300 different shades These supplies are regularly refilled to ensure a diverse selection for clients.
- Acrylic is the old product that’s the combination of a liquid monomer and a powder polymer Usually, each nail salons store about 2-3 kg of acrylic powder
- Acetone is nail color remover which is supplied 20-30 little every month
- Aluminum foil is one of the important materials in nail salon, it is used to remove old shellac, sns, acrylic nail by adding cotton ball with acetone
- The equipment used in nail salon is cuticle pusher, cuticle nippers, nail clippers, buffers, files, drill machine, UV light
- Lotions such as massage cream, cuticle softener, blue sea salt which are needed in manicure and pedicure are stored 8-10 little in salon and refill by every 2 months
- Waxing paper and wax are used in personal waxing
Nail salons can be categorized into two main types: big and small salons These categories differ significantly in various aspects, including physical size, employee count, furniture quality, and annual revenue The distinctions between these salon types are detailed in the following table.
Figure 14 Big nail salon in South Australia
Figure 15 Small nail salon in South Australia Table 2 Differences between small salon and big salon
The annual income of nail salons is primarily determined by seasonal averages, with customer traffic playing a crucial role in revenue generation Nail salon owners strategically adjust staffing levels based on the volume of customer bookings and walk-ins, ensuring they meet demand effectively throughout the year.
The number of customers is different between summer (October - May) and winter (June - September) and calculated:
Average number of customer daily Table 3 Average number of customers per day
A survey of 40 customers reveals insights into their preferences for services and visit frequency at nail salons The author determined the percentage of each service frequency using a specific formula, focusing on the demand for manicures, pedicures, and nail art.
Frequency City Regional City Regional
Table 4 Percentage of customer's demands in terms of frequency
Nail salon waste
After a year of working in a nail salon and engaging with various clients, the author noticed several types of waste being generated The classification of this waste is illustrated in the accompanying figure.
Figure 16 Waste discharged diagram in nail salon
Aluminum foil, broken nippers, clippers, razors…
Water used for pedicure, used for washing
Dust, cotton balls, paper, mask,…
Plastic bag and rubber gloves
In manicure and pedicure services, nail technicians utilize essential tools such as cuticle pushers, cuticle nippers, and nail clippers, which customers expect to be individual and separate for hygiene reasons However, the expense of providing new tool kits for each service can be prohibitive To address this concern while ensuring customer satisfaction, technicians often sterilize the tools and then wrap them in single-use plastic bags, creating the appearance of new tools for each appointment This practice has become a habitual solution in the industry.
Especially in pedicure, customers need to soak their feet into the foot spa tub
To prevent the spread of infectious diseases, it is essential to thoroughly clean foot spa tubs after each use, which can be time-consuming As a quicker alternative, many nail salon owners have opted to cover the tubs with plastic bags, providing a more hygienic experience for individual clients.
Many salons provide a luxurious deluxe pedicure that features a soothing foot wax paraffin treatment During this service, technicians apply warm paraffin to the feet, encasing them in plastic bags for 10 minutes to enhance moisture absorption This process typically requires 2-3 plastic bags per pedicure, ensuring a pampering experience for customers.
Figure 19 Plastic bag contains paraffin in deluxe pedicure
Additional, rubber glove is also one of the most common wastes in nail salon
To ensure proper hygiene in manicure and pedicure services, nail technicians must use a new pair of gloves for each customer This practice means that the total number of gloves used daily will be double the number of clients receiving these services.
Table 5 Number of plastic bag and rubber gloves disposed in salon located in metropolitan area daily
Table 6 Amount of plastic bag and rubber gloves disposed in salon located in regional area daily
As estimated by the author, the average amount of plastic and rubber gloves disposed per day is up to 0.024 m 3 and count to 70% in the total of general waste
SNS and acrylic nails are more durable and challenging to remove compared to regular nail polish Unlike polish, which can be easily dissolved with acetone, these materials require nail technicians to file down the color for easier removal After thinning the nails, a cotton ball soaked in acetone is placed on each nail and wrapped in aluminum foil to prevent air exposure This process typically takes 5-10 minutes for effective removal.
Many salons use a drill machine to remove shellac nail color, but this method can be uncomfortable for customers Instead, many prefer the gentler technique of using aluminum foil wraps to effectively and safely remove the shellac polish.
To estimate the daily aluminum foil usage for nail wrapping, technicians require 49 cm² of foil per finger nail By multiplying the foil area needed for one customer by the total number of customers receiving this service, the average daily consumption of aluminum foil can be calculated.
Figure 20 Aluminum foil is used to take off old nail color
Average area= 49×10×average number of customer use aluminum foil
Table 7 The average area of aluminum foil used per day (cm2)
(Source: The Rowan Tree) Figure 21 Callus heel before and after being removed by razors
In Australia, approximately 80% of women visiting nail salons for pedicures have calluses on their heels, primarily due to wearing flip-flops instead of proper footwear As a result, they commonly request callus removal, leading to the use of 12-15 razors per salon each day.
Additionally, metal waste also contains the broken equipment such as cuticle pusher, cuticle nippers and nail clippers
In contrast to practices in Vietnam, manicure tools like cuticle pushers, nippers, nail clippers, buffers, and files are dedicated to a single customer before undergoing thorough cleaning, soaking in antibacterial solutions, and sterilization Additionally, pedicure services can utilize as much as 14 gallons of water per session in spa treatments.
To calculate the daily wastewater generated by each salon, consider that 12 gallons are required for the foot soak, along with an additional 1 to 2 gallons for rinsing the basin and jets By multiplying these figures, you can determine the total wastewater output for each day.
Water plays a crucial role in nail salons, being used to wash customers' hands after each service and to clean the salon at the end of the day Additionally, towels are utilized to dry customers' hands post-wash and after manicures or pedicures, necessitating a significant number of towels for daily use Consequently, washing machines are essential for managing the increased water consumption in these establishments.
Table 8 Average amount of water used in nail salon located in city (gallons)
In pedicure services, nail technicians remove calluses with razors and then use a sponge scrubber along with softener lotion to clean dead skin To prevent the spread of infectious diseases, many nail salon owners now opt for single-use scrubbers, discarding them after each use instead of washing and reusing them as in the past Consequently, the number of sponge scrubbers disposed of daily matches the number of customers receiving pedicures.
Secondly, lots of dust can be found in hoover as fake finger tips (plastic) and color powder (sns, acrylic, shellac) which is taken off by drill machine
Cotton balls are essential tools in nail salons, commonly used for removing nail polish with acetone, wrapping under aluminum foil, and cleaning nails before application However, they should be classified as hazardous waste due to the presence of various chemicals, including acetone, gel polish, and color powders.
Personal waxing is also a desirable service that Australian woman wish to do every 3 weeks This may cause many papers containing wax which are discharged to the general waste
Nail technicians require not only rubber gloves to safeguard their skin from harmful chemicals but also disposable masks for respiratory protection These thin, single-use masks are often worn in pairs for added safety, and workers replace them as necessary to maintain a healthy work environment.
Additionally, the others wastes could be carton, product containers (polish/shellac bottles), toe separators, tongs, and the things
Waste management
Waste classification and treatment in nail salon
According to the interviews, wastes in nail salons are classified by the workers into recyclable waste, metal waste and general waste:
Nail salons primarily generate recyclable waste from water bottles and cartons, which are typically disposed of in recycling bins collected biweekly In some locations, salon staff take the initiative to gather these bottles and transport them to recycling centers found exclusively in South Australia and the Northern Territory, where they can receive a 10-cent refund per bottle.
Metal waste in nail salons includes aluminum foil, razors, broken cuticle pushers, cuticle nippers, and nail clippers, all of which should be disposed of in the same bin However, many nail salon workers only recognize razors as metal waste, placing them in a designated disposal bin while neglecting to properly categorize the other items, which often end up in the general waste bin due to a lack of awareness.
General waste, which excludes liquid waste, is managed in South Australian salons with a single bin (approximately 0.24 cubic meters) collected weekly by Suez Company, an outsourced waste management provider However, this bin often proves insufficient for the weekly volume of waste generated, leading salon owners to either store excess garbage until the next collection or improperly dispose of it in public bins.
Nail salons generate wastewater from various sources, including pedicure water, washing water, and antibacterial liquids Since these establishments typically operate with a single sewage system, all wastewater is directly discharged into the city's sewage system.
Waste treatment after going out from nail salon
Due to time constraints and challenges in obtaining permission to investigate the waste treatment facility, the author was unable to gather detailed information on the treatment methods Consequently, the author could only identify the types of waste present.
In Adelaide city, general waste will be collected every Thursday by Suez Company, which will transport it to Lot 246, Wilkins Road, Wingfield SA 5013 for classification and treatment.
- Recycled waste: bottles after carrying to recycle depot will be classified as plastic bottles, cans and glass bottles and going to be treated
In South Australia, water and solid waste will be directed to the sewage system for treatment at one of three major wastewater treatment plants located in Bolivar, Glenelg, and Christies Beach The recycled water will be utilized for various purposes, including irrigation of farmland, parks, and outdoor sports grounds, as well as for gardening, toilet flushing, and car washing.
According to the surveys of 10 nail salon workers, the author has got the results as following chart:
A recent survey revealed that 90% of workers in nail salons neglect proper waste management, often following the practices of their predecessors Alarmingly, only 30% of these workers are aware of government policies regarding waste classification and apply them in their salons However, after receiving education on waste management, 80% of workers recognized the potential for improved sustainability in their salons through effective waste management Consequently, 70% expressed a willingness to adopt waste classification practices and change their waste disposal habits.
RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSION
Recommendations
Water usage in pedicures, primarily for foot spas and washing, can be significantly reduced Customers often prioritize either foot cleaning or nail painting, prompting nail technicians to inquire about the necessity of a foot spa before proceeding To promote sustainability, the waterless pedicure, or dry pedicure, has emerged as an effective alternative in professional spas This innovative technique utilizes warm lotion, booties, and hot towels, offering benefits such as eliminating water usage, extending the longevity of nail polish, and reducing the risk of infectious diseases by avoiding foot soaking in tubs Only minimal water is needed for steaming towels.
5.1.2 Raising the worker’s awareness for better waste management in salon
Reducing waste in nail salons poses a significant challenge, primarily influenced by the actions of the staff Nail salon owners must recognize the impact of unmanaged waste and implement clear guidelines for waste classification and management By educating workers on proper waste disposal practices and encouraging a shift in their habits, salons can effectively minimize waste Training employees on how to categorize waste, including general waste, is essential for fostering a culture of sustainability within the salon.
- The metal waste such as aluminum foil, broken cuticle nippers/ nail clippers and razors should be classified into metal waste and put in a separate bin
Hazardous waste, including polish and shellac containers, acetone-soaked cotton balls, and remnants of old nail polish from manicure stations, must be disposed of in a separate, clearly labeled bin to ensure safe handling and compliance with disposal regulations.
- Plastic bag, rubber gloves, masks and the others can be contained in the general waste bin
- Recyclable waste such as bottles, carton… needs to be continuously classified like what the nail technicians have done
Nail technicians can adopt sustainable practices by reusing quality products and utilizing only the necessary materials, such as cutting bottles to use in glass cups, to minimize waste Additionally, reducing water consumption is crucial; techniques like performing dry pedicures, avoiding washing equipment under running water, and only washing towels when the machine is full can significantly decrease wastewater.
In overall, once the nail salon workers have been aware of waste management, they need to build their new habit and keep trying to do that in the future.
Conclusion
Nail salons in South Australia are categorized into small and large establishments, each with distinct characteristics While both types of salons maintain a similar range of supply products, they differ significantly in scale; large salons typically occupy 70-100 m² and employ 7-9 nail technicians, whereas small salons are smaller, ranging from 45-50 m² and employing 4-5 workers Additionally, nail salons generate considerable waste, including plastic bags, rubber gloves, and aluminum, which are managed effectively due to the staff's knowledge and adherence to the owner's waste classification policies.
In summary, the study titled “Waste and Waste Management in Nail Salons in Australia: Case Studies in Adelaide, South Australia” highlights the importance of addressing previously unexplored topics in nail salon waste management It provides a comprehensive overview of waste generation and water usage, which are directly influenced by customer volume and characteristics The research emphasizes the critical role of nail salon workers in effective waste management, driven by their awareness of sustainability practices While the study presents valuable insights, it acknowledges certain limitations and suggests that future research should focus on developing solutions and recommendations for reducing waste, ultimately striving for more sustainable nail salon operations.
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